“We came here fleeing war-torn countries, just to get on your feet, just to be able to get your work permit and get jobs and be part of the community,” said Alain Nahimana, coordinator for Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition.

Portland Mayor Michael Brennan has said cutting that funding would create a humanitarian crisis.

The bill needs the support of two-thirds of each chamber to overturn a veto. A vote on the issue in the House fell about 20 votes shy of that earlier this week.